Lifeless Walsall lost their five game unbeaten run after being dumped out of the FA Cup by Brentford at Griffin Park.

Leon Legge’s first ever senior goal settled the second round clash as the Saddlers struggled from the start.

An improved second half gave hope and Walsall should have had a penalty, when Danny Foster handled but they were well beaten despite a late flurry.

Dwayne Mattis recovered from the Achilles injury which forced him out of the 3-0 win over Oldham on Tuesday, which meant Josh O’Keefe returned to the bench.

Elsewhere, it was as you were for the Saddlers who drew 1-1 at Griffin Park last week.

Prior to the clash boss Chris Hutchings had urged his side to be more positive from the off, but those pleas fell on deaf ears as the Bees started brightly.

It was an identical start to the league clash and the Bees opened the scoring after 13 minutes, when John Bostock clipped in a corner and Legge rose highest to nod into the bottom corner from six yards.

Only excellent covering from Rhys Weston prevented the hosts from conjuring another chance, but it was too easy for the Bees who were bypassing the Saddlers’ high defensive line.

Steve Jones cleared Ryan Dickson’s header off the line on 25 minutes, as the Saddlers were pinned into their own half.

It took 33 minutes for the visitors to muster a shot, as Mark Bradley’s 25-yarder was gathered by goalkeeper Lewis Price.

For all their dominance, Brentford hadn’t carved out serious chances but Walsall were still lucky to only be 1-0 down at the break.

Mark Hughes survived a huge handball shout after the interval, before Legge headed straight at Ince.

The Saddlers had, at least, begun to find some rhythm but hadn’t created anything. They were disjointed and desperately needed inspiration.

Weston’s weak effort failed to trouble Price and Troy Deeney broke free of the defence, but his shot was deflected wide by Alan Bennett after 67 minutes.

Ben Strevens let the Saddlers off the hook when the forward found Ince’s palms, before the goalkeeper saved his 20-yard strike.

Walsall should have had a penalty when Foster handled in the area with 10 minutes left before Sam Parkin was denied by a superb near post save from Price two minutes later as the Saddlers crashed out.